The number of overseas visitors to Scotland rose between July 2013 to June 2014, though overall visitor figures were down four per cent due to a dip in domestic visitors official figures show.

The number of visitors to Scotland from abroad rose by 18 per cent in the period, with 510,000 people visiting Scotland from the US and Canada, which was up 125,000 on the prior year.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show overseas tourism spend in Scotland also rose to £1.6 billion from £1.5 billion the previous year.

However, domestic tourist numbers were down seven per cent, which pushed overall visitor numbers down four per cent for the year, though the figures also suggest domestic tourism spend was largely flat compared with the prior year.

The Scottish Government said: “Set against a general decline in domestic visitors across the UK, Scotland experienced a seven per cent decline in the year to the end of June 2014 although spending from domestic visitors was largely maintained.”

Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Despite operating in a challenging environment, illustrated by a decline in domestic visitors, our tourism industry, it is encouraging to see that spending levels are being maintained in the domestic market in Scotland.

“The people at Scottish tourism’s frontline, the staff in our hotels, cafés, restaurants and tourist attractions, are delivering results and providing a memorable experience for visitors from home and abroad.”